Brendon McCullum’s all-pace attack targets glory in the Champions Trophy, with Joe Root’s return sparking intrigue

England’s strategy for the upcoming Champions Trophy in February has raised some eyebrows, as head coach Brendon McCullum places his trust in one of the fastest-ever pace bowling attacks in the team’s history. This bold move, coupled with the return of Joe Root to England’s one-day international squad, promises an intriguing combination of raw speed and seasoned skill as the team looks to reclaim glory in the tournament.

Root’s re-entry into the fold comes after a challenging run in the 2023 World Cup, where the former stalwart struggled to find form. Now back in his familiar No 3 position in the order, Root will aim to regain the form that made him one of England’s most reliable 50-over batsmen. Despite his struggles in recent years, including a lacklustre average of 29 across just 28 ODIs since the 2019 World Cup, McCullum is confident that Root’s technical ability can prove vital in the swinging conditions likely to be encountered during the Champions Trophy.

The question looms: Can Joe Root bounce back after his World Cup woes, or will his return be short-lived? England’s selectors will be watching closely, hoping that Root can shake off his rusty form and deliver on the big stage. However, with just three ODIs against India before the tournament, Root’s opportunity to regain confidence may be limited.

The return of Root, however, means a notable exclusion: Will Jacks, who has been dropped from the ODI squad. The 26-year-old’s poor performances in the Caribbean, combined with underwhelming returns in T20 cricket, have seen him fall out of favour. With an ODI average of 31.2 and a meagre 18.2 in T20Is, Jacks now faces a battle to regain a spot in the national set-up, as other players push their claims ahead of the tournament.

But while Root’s return and Jacks’ absence dominate discussions, England’s bowling attack is the real talk of the town. McCullum, embracing a philosophy of raw pace, has opted for a blistering fast-bowling lineup that could see England take on the world with firepower. Jofra Archer, whose presence has been a game-changer in recent years, will be a formidable weapon in the attack, bringing a fresh intensity to the side.

As England prepares for the Champions Trophy, all eyes will be on the team’s pace-heavy approach. Will it pay off? Will Root find redemption and prove his worth once again in the 50-over format? Or will England’s gamble on speed backfire under the pressure of international competition?